With thousands more students flunking achievement exams, the state has quietly changed how schools are judged based on test scores, a move that helped some schools pass muster despite dismal or lackluster student performance.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; the schools chancellor, Dennis M. Walcott; and senior education officials took a victory lap of sorts on Monday, visiting 22 New York City public schools that ranked among the state’s top 25 in reading and math exams given last spring.

Pressed by law enforcement, civil-rights advocates and the realization that the way they disciplined students was failing, schools are keeping on campus more kids who talk back, throw tantrums or even threaten teachers.

Although St. Vrain Valley School District buildings received little damage -- mostly water leaks -- officials have an immense amount of work to do. Road closures and power outages are affecting everything from transportation to school lunches.

A new proposal in the Michigan House of Representatives would set aside $10 million in state funds to help schools transition to a "year-round" calendar where students do not have the traditional lengthy summer break.